Active induction system tuning with multiple valves

Abstract

An induction system is designed for an engine that includes a manifold having a plenum in fluid communication with primary runners. A plenum valve is arranged between first and second chambers of the plenum that are respectively in fluid communication with first and second sets of the primary runners. The plenum valve is configured to move between open and closed positions to regulate flow between the first and second chambers. A secondary runner is arranged upstream from and in fluid communication with the plenum. The secondary runner includes first and second runner portions with the second runner portion being shorter than the first runner portion. A runner valve is arranged in the secondary runner between the first and second runner portions and is configured to selectively direct flow through the first and second runner portions to the plenum to obtain a desired effective tuning length. Accordingly, the example induction system provides a more effective configuration for tuning an engine that is more simple, cost effective and easier to package.

1. An induction system for an engine comprising:
 a manifold including a plenum in fluid communication with primary runners; 
 a plenum valve arranged between first and second chambers of the plenum that are respectively in fluid communication with first and second sets of the primary runners, the plenum valve configured to move between open and closed positions and regulate flow between the first and second chambers; 
 a secondary runner upstream from and in fluid communication with the plenum, the secondary runner including first and second runner portions with the second runner portion shorter than the first runner portion; and 
 a runner valve arranged in the secondary runner between the first and second runner portions configured to selectively direct flow through the first and second runner portions to the plenum to obtain a desired effective tuning length. 
 
   
   
     2. The induction system according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second sets include at least two primary runners. 
   
   
     3. The induction system according to  claim 1 , wherein the closed position generally blocks flow between the first and second chambers. 
   
   
     4. The induction system according to  claim 1 , wherein the plenum is arranged between the primary and secondary runners. 
   
   
     5. The induction system according to  claim 1 , comprising a throttle body arranged upstream from the secondary runner configured to supply air thereto. 
   
   
     6. The induction system according to  claim 1 , comprising a controller commanding the plenum valve and runner valve between multiple positions to a desired valve configuration in response to an engine parameter. 
   
   
     7. The induction system according to  claim 6 , comprising first and second actuators respectively coupled to the plenum and runner valves, the controller in communication with the first and second actuators, the controller commanding the actuators to move the valves between the multiple positions in response to the engine parameter. 
   
   
     8. The induction system according to  claim 6 , wherein the engine parameter includes low, intermediate and high engine speeds. 
   
   
     9. The induction system according to  claim 8 , wherein the low engine speed corresponds to the plenum valve being in the closed position and the runner valve arranged in a first position that corresponds to permitting flow through the first runner portion and blocking flow through the second runner portion. 
   
   
     10. The induction system according to  claim 9 , wherein the intermediate engine speed corresponds to the plenum valve being arranged in the closed position and the runner valve in a second position corresponding to permitting flow through the second runner portion. 
   
   
     11. The induction system according to  claim 10 , wherein the high engine speed corresponds to the plenum valve being in the open position and the runner valve in the second position. 
   
   
     12. The induction system according to  claim 1 , comprising first and second secondary runners respectively fluidly connected to the first and second chambers. 
   
   
     13. The induction system according to  claim 12 , wherein each of the first and second secondary runners includes a runner valve. 
   
   
     14. The induction system according to  claim 13 , wherein the runner valves are supported by a common shaft and an actuator is interconnected to the shaft for moving the runner valves between first and second positions respectively corresponding to fluid flowing through the first and second runner portions. 
   
   
     15. The induction system according to  claim 1 , wherein the desired effective tuning length corresponds to a primary runner length plus an effective plenum volume plus an effective secondary runner length.